HBO's post-Rapture drama "The Leftovers" will return for a second season. The cable outlet announced the show's renewal on Wednesday with three episodes left to air in its first season.

The ensemble drama stars Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston, Liv Tyler and Chris Zylka as the residents of a fictional New York suburb that are dealing with life after the mysterious disappearance of 140 million people.

The series, adapted from the novel by Tom Perrotta by Perrotta and "Lost" co-creator Damon Lindelof, has had a mixed reaction since its debut in late June, but more recent episodes that have focused on individual characters in the cast have been more favorably received.

"We look forward to continuing the journey as the show delves deeper into the lives of those who remain," HBO's programming president, Michael Lombardo, said in a statement.

Unlike Lindelof's previous TV series, "The Leftovers" presents a mystery but seems more concerned with the current lives of the characters rather than the ultimate solution. Many viewers felt let down by the ending of "Lost" when all of its secrets were finally revealed.